On Wednesday, September 18, Grand Farm, alongside state leaders, proudly announced the completion of Phase 1 of the Grand Farm Innovation Campus at a press conference at the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck, ND. This milestone highlights the success of North Dakota’s 2021 investment in agriculture technology, made possible through the state’s Autonomous Agriculture Grant Program.
In February 2022, Grand Farm was awarded a $10 million grant by the North Dakota Legislature and Department of Commerce. This investment allowed Grand Farm to break ground on its Innovation Campus in October 2022.
North Dakota Lieutenant Governor Tammy Miller opened the event. She was joined by Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, who commented, “North Dakota has always been an agriculture leader, but this investment is pushing us into a new era. We’re developing technologies here that will benefit growers across the state and beyond.”
The Grand Farm Innovation Campus spans 590 acres and serves as a hub for collaboration, research, and demonstrations. Its new 25,000 sq. ft. Innovation Shop is already playing a pivotal role in hosting local, national, and international groups, helping to solidify North Dakota’s reputation as a global leader in AgTech.
Senate Majority Leader David Hogue and House Majority Leader Mike Lefor highlighted the importance of the investment from a legislative perspective, noting the broad benefits to the state’s economy and farming communities.
“We knew this was a critical investment not just for today, but for the future of North Dakota’s agricultural industry,” said Hogue. “This isn’t just about innovation—this is about creating long-term value for our state’s growers, businesses, and workforce.”
Building on that sentiment, House Majority Leader Mike Lefor added, “This project reflects the legislature’s confidence in the future of North Dakota agriculture. It is through initiatives like the Grand Farm Innovation Campus that we’re ensuring our farmers have access to the latest technology, creating solutions that will keep our state’s agricultural economy competitive on a global scale.”
Grand Farm’s completion of Phase 1 includes contributions from over 40 families and organizations, which have contributed a combined $15.3 million to the effort. A key partnership was recently formed with AGCO’s Precision Technology Institute – North Dakota, which is operating across 300-acres on the Innovation Campus to develop sustainable farming practices.
Seth Crawford, AGCO SVP and General Manager, PTx, stated, “North Dakota visionaries are responsible for this unique opportunity by investing in the people and farmers of North Dakota. Their leadership has established an innovation nexus that will discover new practices that will reshape farming and benefit the state, its farmers and agriculture far beyond the Midwest. AGCO and PTI-North Dakota are proud to be anchor tenants of this Grand Farm, and we’re excited to share discoveries and practical innovations with the farmers and leaders of the state!”
The Innovation Campus is now at capacity for field projects, with 31 plots from 18 different organizations active for the 2024 season. Dennis Kemmesat, President & CEO of Grand Farm partner Frontier Precision, remarked, “What we’re seeing is the kind of collaboration that’s driving forward-thinking innovation. Grand Farm is bringing together key players from across industries to develop real-world solutions.”
Greg Tehven, Board Chair of Grand Farm, expressed his gratitude to the state of North Dakota for their continued support. “This achievement is a direct result of the state’s leadership and vision. Together, we’re making North Dakota a global leader in agriculture technology.”
Closing the event, State Representative Mike Nathe expressed optimism for the future of agriculture in North Dakota. “Today is not just a celebration of what has been achieved, but of what lies ahead,” Nathe said. “The Grand Farm Innovation Campus is the embodiment of North Dakota’s forward-thinking approach to agriculture. With this investment, we’re positioning our state to be at the forefront of global agricultural advancements.”
The Grand Farm Innovation Campus continues to serve as a catalyst for AgTech development, addressing some of the most pressing challenges in modern agriculture. From partnerships with startups to collaborations with growers and educational institutions, Grand Farm remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
